Gymnophthalmus underwoodi
Gymnophthalmus underwoodi, commonly known as Underwood's spectacled tegu, is a species of microteiid lizard native to South America and the Caribbean. It is a unisexual species that reproduces through parthenogenesis, laying clutches of one to four eggs. Its natural habitat is grassland.
Key Facts
- ›Reproduces asexually through parthenogenesis.
- ›Found in both South America and various Caribbean islands.
- ›Its natural habitat is primarily grasslands.
- ›Named after British herpetologist Garth Underwood.
- ›Lays clutches of 1-4 eggs, with up to eleven recorded within four months in captivity.
Underwood's Spectacled Tegu
Dominican Republic, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Cuba, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, Trinidad and Tobago, Us Virgin Islands, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Sint Eustatius, Saba, Guyana, Suriname, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, French Guiana
About Gymnophthalmus underwoodi
Gymnophthalmus underwoodi, commonly referred to as Underwood's spectacled tegu, is a species of lizard belonging to the microteiid family. This species is notable for its unisexual nature, reproducing exclusively through parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction where offspring develop from unfertilized eggs. This reproductive strategy allows the species to propagate without the need for a male.
Distribution and Habitat
The geographic range of Gymnophthalmus underwoodi is extensive, encompassing both South America and a significant number of Caribbean islands. In South America, it has been documented in Guyana, Suriname, Colombia, and Venezuela, with potential presence in Brazil and French Guiana. Its Caribbean distribution includes islands such as the Dominican Republic, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Cuba, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, Trinidad and Tobago, the US Virgin Islands (specifically Saint Thomas), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. The natural habitat favored by Gymnophthalmus underwoodi is grassland, where it likely finds suitable conditions for foraging and shelter.
Reproduction
As a unisexual species, Gymnophthalmus underwoodi reproduces through parthenogenesis. In captive settings, individuals have been observed laying eggs, with clutch sizes typically ranging from one to four eggs. Over a period of four months, a single specimen has been recorded as laying up to eleven eggs, indicating a capacity for multiple reproductive events within a relatively short timeframe.
Etymology
The species was first described by Chapman Grant in 1958. The specific epithet, 'underwoodi,' was chosen by Grant to honor the British herpetologist Garth Underwood. This dedication recognizes Underwood's significant contributions to the study of West Indian reptiles. Underwood himself had collected specimens from Barbados in 1958, which were initially classified as Gymnophthalmus lineatus but later became designated as paratypes by Grant during his investigation into this potentially new species.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of Underwood's spectacled tegu?
The scientific name of Underwood's spectacled tegu is Gymnophthalmus underwoodi. This binomial nomenclature is used to classify the species within the scientific community.
How does Gymnophthalmus underwoodi reproduce?
Gymnophthalmus underwoodi is a unisexual species that reproduces through parthenogenesis. This means that females can produce offspring without fertilization from a male.
Where can Gymnophthalmus underwoodi be found?
This lizard species is distributed across South America, including Guyana, Suriname, Colombia, and Venezuela, and potentially Brazil and French Guiana. In the Caribbean, it is found on numerous islands such as Dominica, Barbados, Cuba, and Trinidad and Tobago.
What is the typical habitat of Gymnophthalmus underwoodi?
The natural habitat of Gymnophthalmus underwoodi is grassland. They are adapted to these open, grassy environments for survival and reproduction.
How many eggs does Gymnophthalmus underwoodi lay?
In captivity, Gymnophthalmus underwoodi has been observed laying clutches of one to four eggs. Over a four-month period, a single captive specimen has been recorded laying up to eleven eggs in total.
Why is the species named Gymnophthalmus underwoodi?
The specific name, underwoodi, honors British herpetologist Garth Underwood. This recognition is in acknowledgment of his significant contributions and work concerning West Indian reptiles.
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Underwood's Spectacled Tegu
Underwood's spectacled tegu (Gymnophthalmus underwoodi) is a unisexual lizard species that reproduces through parthenogenesis. It is found in grasslands across South America and various Caribbean islands. This microteiid lizard is recognized for its unique reproductive strategy and its distribution across a wide range of tropical environments.